Nursing Workforce Development

Our nursing workforce development plan is easily outlined in the eight-step nursing career ladder listed below:

Step 1: Shadowing Experience

A hands-off experience with clinical and/or non-clinical staff and not for course credit. The shadowing experience is an opportunity for adults 18 years of age and up.

Step 2: Nurse Technicians

Interested in a Nurse Technician position while in nursing school? Nurse Techs at OU Health are unique and require only one shift.

• Nursing student between 1st semester and passing their NCLEX
• Work within system float pool
• Autonomous within scope of practice
• Min. requirement: One 12-hour shift every four weeks

Step 3: Nurse Extern Program

• Seven weeks between junior/senior year of nursing school
• Full-time paid hours
• Precepted 1:1 model

Step 4: Internal Recruitment Event: Career Launch Day

Opportunity for OU Health nursing students to explore the positions available within OU Health and select units/clinics for a full-time RN offer. Our internal nursing students are given priority over external candidates for RN placement.

Step 5: Nurse Interns Program

• Senior nursing students: 3rd/4th semester OU College of Nursing OR 4th semester UCO nursing student
• Paid for clinical component (hours dependent on course curriculum)
• Non-competitive application process
• Precepted or supervised model
• O­ffer Nurse Tech positions for a dual employment opportunity

Step 6: OU Health Nurse Residency Program

OU Health’s Nurse Residency Program provides new graduate nurses with resources and rich experiences that will serve as a strong foundation for a successful nursing career. With guidance from a one-on-one preceptor and an OU Health Residency Coordinator, OU Health Nurse Residents are given the support necessary to successfully bridge the transition from student to practicing nurse. As the foundation of the residency program, we have adopted the evidence-based curriculum designed by Vizient and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The program supports registered nurses at all levels of educational preparation who have graduated from an accredited nursing program (associate degree, diploma, bachelor's degree).

Step 7: Loan Repayment

We will pay up to $25,000 in student loan repayments over a maximum period of five years (or your full loan balance, if less than $25,000) for eligible Bedside Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to ease the financial burden of your debt

Step 8: Nursing Degree Accelerator Program

OU Health and the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences are jointly offering a program unlike any other in the state — the OU Health Nursing Degree Accelerator Program (DAP).

This unique program invests in the career development of OU Health nurses and advances healthcare in the state and beyond by establishing seamless academic progression pathways. The DAP enables the working RN and LPN at OU Health to further their education and career trajectory while receiving complete financial support from OU Health; this opportunity is offered exclusively through the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences.

The Degree Accelerator Program is designed to be convenient for the working OU Health RN and LPN

• The program covers the cost of tuition, fees and books
• Participants will be assigned a support network of a College of Nursing Advisor, Academic Coach and Faculty program mentor
• All courses occur online with scheduled on campus time

OU Health is committed to helping all team members reach their personal and professional aspirations. Your opportunities for growth and education are not limited — they continue to expand at OU Health. Please visit the Degree Accelerator Program website for comprehensive details regarding eligibility, admission requirements and the application process.